The Danish have long had the right idea. When the weather outside turns frightful, hunker down in intentional, pleasurable fashion. While the concept of “hygge” is a broad turn of phrase that ties into community and well-being as much as it does with feeling comfortable and warm, literally and physically, in the colder months, it’s now being embraced the world over. Perhaps right even in your own living room.
Modern or Mid-Century Modern design aesthetics, warmly lit spaces, and pleasantly adorned tools of the trade all lend to a cozy, convivial atmosphere, one that offers a respite from a harsh winter. Even the right pair of slippers can feel like an underrated treat to step into after a cold day out in the field.
If you’re going to go about it the right way, add some music. Better still, embrace the idea of smart, stylish design when it comes to how you play your music, be it a turntable or a next-level Bluetooth speaker. There are even certain LPs that can deliver some bang for your buck as far as cozy listening is concerned, although the classics never fail, either. Take it one step further still by setting the right mood with incense.
If the concept of “hygge” is as much a system as an idea, check off all the right boxes with the best gear for cozy listening.
Photo via Marshall
Marshall Acton III Bluetooth Speaker
Take the same precision technology that’s made Marshall an on-stage favorite of rock stars for decades, then translate it down into a bookshelf-sized, utterly stylish speaker. It’s a personal favorite of mine, as pleasing to look at as it is to fiddle with various dials, and it’s all inspired by the mammoth amp stacks often found in arenas across the globe.
Photo via McIntosh
McIntosh MT100 Integrated Turntable
I’m of the mind that listening can take many forms, especially if you’re curating a mood across an evening. Some purists rightfully love the intention that comes with a needle drop and with digging through a carefully curated crate of records. McIntosh builds in Bluetooth utility, plus an amplifier and pre-amplifier, in one ultra-premium package. But what to listen to next? Scroll down.
Photo via Rough Trade
Boxer by The National
On a frigid winter evening, nuanced and timeless listening (in vinyl form, in this case) should be the ultimate goal. Boxer by indie rock heroes The National never quite gets old. “Fake Empire” rings more true than ever, and there’s a quiet, delicate beauty to tracks like “Gospel” and “Start A War,” thanks to the instrumentation of guitarist brothers extraordinaire Aaron and Bryce Dessner.
Plus, legendary frontman Matt Berninger’s lyrics are a joy to listen to and a stimulating, clever, and intentional exercise as you kick back with an Old Fashioned. Or two.
Photo via Protetta
Burnables by Protetta Incense Collection
Scent helps set the mood as much as the music. On a cold winter’s night, incense sticks fill a space with premium scent. It doesn’t hurt that these sets from Protetta come with an (optional) eye-catching incense holder for hours of olfactory enjoyment.
Photo via Huckberry
Greys Shearling Slippers
Now that you’ve set the stage for a proper listening experience and an utterly cozy night in, take things a step further (pun intended) by leveling up your slipper game in remarkably comfortable fashion. These slippers blend premium shearling and luxe suede for as pleasing an experience as possible. And when you need to shuffle outside to check the mail, the EVA midsole delivers useful comfort and support.
Photo via Finisterre
Finisterre Columba Wool Cardigan
Perhaps it’s just me, but a relaxed evening spinning my favorite indie rock band (hello to The National!) doesn’t quite feel complete if I haven’t put on, in full Mr. Rogers style, a warming house cardigan. Of course, this rugged wool cardigan from Finisterre is plenty well-suited for layering up out in the field beneath a waxed cotton barn coat, but it’s just as comfortable to wear back home, refreshing IPA in hand.
